Improvement in breech-loading fire-arms



2 Sheets- Sheet 2.

Patented Nov. 5, 1861.

S. W. MARSH.A

Breach-Loading Fire-Arm.

H NNE o N *E5 '7 Inventor .mamma Wu l l .me n@ u www@ Witnesses:

Unire STATE-s PATENT Grrrcn.

IMPROVEMENT IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of.Letters Patent No. 33,655,(lated November5, 1861.

T all whom it may concern.:

Beit known that I, S. WILMER MARSH, of Vashington city, in the Districtof Columbia, have invented and made certain new and useful Improvementsin Breech -Loading 'Fire- Arms; and I do hereby declare that thefollowing is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of thisspecification. i

Figure 1 represents a longitudinal sectional view of my improvements inbreech'loading iire-arms, showing the gate closed. Fig. 2 represents alongitudinal sectional view of my improvements in breech-loadingfire-arms, showing the gate thrown up. Fig. 3 represents a longitudinalsectional view of my improvements in breech-loading fire-arms, showingthe same in the act of being discharged. Fig. 4 represents a detachedgate having peculiar-formed cavities therein and peculiarformedappendages connected. Fig. 5 represents a plunger and swivel with a nutthereon. Fig. 6 represents a plunger l'iaving a nut thereon, the plungerhaving a longitudinal hole, of uniform diameter throughout, through itscenter and length. Fig. 7 represents a solid plunger with nut thereon.Fig. 8 represents a detached gate with another kind of appendages. Fig.9 represents a plunger with a nut thereon, the plunger having alongitudinal hole, of varying diameter, through its center. Fig. 10represents one form ot' needle to be used in various plungers. Fig. 11represents a top view of a peculiar expanding ring. Fig. 12` representsa sectional view of the expanding ring. Fig. 13 represents a detachedgate with a third kind of appendages. Fig. 14 represents apeculiar-formed solid plunger with nut thereon. Fig. 15 represents a topview of a bolt to hold the gate down. Fig. 16 represents a sectionalview of the bolt. Fig. 17 represents another form of needle. Fig. 18represents a detached gate with a fourth or modiiied kind of appendages.Fig. 19 represents another peeuliar-forined plunger and swivel with nutthereon. Fig. 20 represents a top view of the swivel, Fig. 19.. Fig. 21represents another form of needle. Fig. 22 represents a detached gatewith a iifth kind or modication of appendages. Fig. 23 represents aplunger with nut thereon, the plunger having a longitudinal hole, ofvarying diamwith or without a needle.

eter, through its center and length. Fig. 24 represents a detached gatewith a sixth form or modication of appendages. Fig. 25 represents ametallic cartridge-case. Fig. 26 represents a detached sectional view ofa gun barrel and breech part with another form of appendages. Fig. 27Arepresents a third peculiar-formed plunger and swivel. Fig. 28represents a detached gate with another form or modication ofappendages. Fig. 29 represents a fourth peculiar-formed `plunger andswivel. Fig. 30 represents another kind or modication of bolt.

The nature of my improvements consists, more especially, in the peculiarconstruction of the breech part of a gun, the said breech part formingeither a part of the barrel or being furnished with a jacket into whichthe barrel can be screwed, as desired; also, in the'peculiarconstruction and form of the gate hinged and working on top, and' themanner of opening and of securing the gate when closed, and ofpreventing premature explosion when the gun is charged, capped, andcocked while the gate is open; also, in the peculiar construction of aplunger, to be used either Vhen used with a needle, the plunger has alongitudinal hole through its center for the, needle to work through,whereby cartridges having a detonating-wafer in the rear end thereof donot require a cap to be used on the cone, nor require the use of thelock and hammer, as Jthe' needle pierces the detonating-wafer andexplodes it. The cap, lock, and hammer, however, can be used at the sametime,if desired.' When used without a needle, the plunger is solid, andrequires the cap, lock, andhammer to be used as with ordinary re-arins,and in both cases requires the use of the expanding p ring. Also, in thepeculiar construction of the bolt and of the trigger, whereby the gateis readily thrown up or heldjdown securely and the needle is caused toenter the cartridge and explode it, or the hammer is caused to fall andexplode the cap upon the cone.

Another peculiarity of my improvements is The end of the thereof willenter sufficiently behind the jaw l the diameter of the upperpart, U2,of the el- V2 of the trigger V, which is thereby prevented from pressingback against the bolt G G G2 G3 G", so that the catch part G5 of thebolt is checked, and cannot press out of the cavity M of the gate H,thus securely holding the gate H closed, and rendering it necessary whendesired to load the gun at the muzzle. To release the gate, the screw orpin d is turned and withdrawn sufficiently.

The construction of Vmy improvements of breech-loading lire-arms is asfollows:

At Figs. 1, 2, 3, A A indicate the barrel of the gun with screw-thread Aon the breech end.

B indicates the bore of the barrel.

C indicates the cartridge-chamber or enlarged bore of the barrel, therear end of the cartridge-chamber C being beveled, as at C.

D D D D2 D3 DL represent a breech-connection. D indicates the jacketofthe breechconnection, and has a screwthread, D5, therein,corresponding to the screw-thread A on the barrel, so that the barrelcan be screwed into the jacket D, as at A D5. Dl D indicate a bridgewith a round or oval hole, D2, through it. Said bridge is formed by acontinuation of the lower part of the jacket D, and connects the jacketD with the bolt-seat D3 and end Dt. On the side of the jacket D isconnected the cone E, the vent-hole C2, (dotted at Figs. 1, 2, 3, 26,)extending in through the side of the barrel A and jacket D, so as toenable the flame from the cap, when exploded on the cone E, to passthrough the vent-hole and through the jacket D and barrel A into thecartridgechamber C at C2.

F F indicate a longitudinal channel in the bottom of the bridge D D D2and bolt-seat D3 of the breech-connection, communicating with the cavityF F in the bolt-seat D2. The longitudinal channel F F is of greaterlength (but of corresponding depth and breadth) than the longitudinalslide part G G of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16. lThe cavity F F inthe bolt-seat D5, Figs. l, 2, 3, extends upward from the channel F F,and is of the same length, diameter, and height as the standard G* andcatch G5 of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16. The upperpart of the cavityF F', Figs. 1, 2, 3, where the catch G5 ofthe bolt rests,communicateswith the cavity M in the gate H, so as to allow the catch G5 0f the boltto enter the cavity M in the gate H.

G G G2 G3 G G5, Figs. 1, 2, 3,15, 16, represent a bolt formed of onepiece of metal. At Figs. 15, 16, G Gindicate the longitudinal slide ofthe bolt. On the bottom ofthe slide G G is a spur, G, as shownat Figs.1, 2, 3, 16, of desired form to fit between the jaws V V2 of the triggerV, Figs. l, 2, 3. Through the slide G G, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, thereisa round or oval hole, G2, and slot G5, as shown at G2 G5, Figs. 157 16.The round or oval hole G2, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, is ofthe same diameteras the lower part, U, of the elbow of the spring U, Figs. 1, 2, 3. Theslot G2', Figs. l, 2, 3, 15,16, is of less diameter than the hole G2,and corresponds to bow U ofthe spring U, Figs. 1, 2, 3. Extending upwardfrom the slide G G is the standard G", supporting the catch G5, as shownat G G G"t G5, Figs. 1, 2, 3,16. The length, diameter, and height of thestandard G* and catch G5 must correspond to the size of the cavity F Fin the bolt-seat D, Figs. 1, 2, 3. lhe bolt G G G* G5, Figs. 1, 2, 3, isheld in the channel F F and cavity F F by the metallic plates g g, themetallic plates g g being fastened to the bottom of the bridge D D andbolt-seat D5 by screws.

At Figs. 1,2, 3, H indicates a gate hinged to the jacket D at H by thehinge-pin I. The face H2 ofthe gate H abuts against the breech of thebarrel A and jacket D. The end H3 of the gate H is slightly curved,tocorrespond to the front of the bolt-seat D.

J indicates a cavity in the gate H, extending from the face H2,of alittle greater diameter and an eighth of an inch longer than the lengthand diameter ofthe body of the plunger O, as shown at O5, Fig. 6. a

K indicates a cavity of a little greater diameter than the shank Ol ofthe plunger O, as shown at Fig. 6, and is a quarter of an inch (more orless, as desired) in length'. The cavity K, Figs. 1,2,3, connects thecavities J and L. The cavity L extends from the cavityK through the endH5 of the gate H, and is of a little greater diameter than the circularnut F on the end of the shank O'L of the plunger O,Figs. i, 2, 3, e.

M indicates a cavity in the end H3 of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, ofcorresponding diameter to the catch G5 of the bolt, and of suficientdepth to admit the movement forward of the catch G5 of the bolt and thespur R of the needle, Fig. 17, and is connected at the top with thecavity L in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, so thatthe spur R of the needlecan extend downwardly into the cavity M.

N, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates an expanding ring. At Fig. 12 is a sectionalView of said ring.

N N indicate the edge of the smaller diameter of the ring.

N2 N2 indicate the greater diameter of the ring.

N2 N 5 indicate the thickness of metal at the base.

NL indicates the diameter of the hole at the base.

N N5 indicate the outer beveled surface, extending from the edge N N tothe base at N2 N2, corresponding to the bevel C of the cartridge-chamberC of the barrel A, Figs. 1, 2, 3.

N*i N, Fig. 12, indicate the inside beveled surface, being the reverseof the outside, N5 N5,

and extending from the top edge, N N', to the` base at N3 N5, andcorresponding to the bcveled head O2 of the plunger O, Fig. 6, therebyforming at the base N2 N3 N2 N2, Fig. 12, the hole N2 of much lessdiameter than at the top, N N

NT indicates a transverse cut through one side of the ring, extendingfrom the top edge,

N N', toward the base N2 N3 N2 N as far as l flattened, so as to admitits passagethrough the desired. N8 indicates another transverse cut,extending through the base toward the center as far as desired. Thesetwo transverse cuts are situated on one side of the circumference of thering, but do not communicate.

N9 N f' indicate a cut through the metal, extending nearly around thecircumference of the ring, terminating at .each of the transverse cutsNT N8, thus leaving sufficient metal, N1", so as to avoid the entireseverance of the ring, thereby enabling the ring to expand, as desired,the ring first being tempered a moderate spring-temper, to canse itsclosing when the cause of its expansion is removed.

O, Figs. 1, 2, 6, indicates a plunger, having a longitudinal hole, O O,Fig. 6, of uniform diameter, extending through its center.

At Fig. 6, O2 indicates the beveled head of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2,3, having a corresponding bevel to the inside bevel, N, of the ring N,Figs. 1, 2, 3, 12, as shown at N, Fig. 12. The body 02, Fig. 6, of theplunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, is of corresponding diameter to the holeN'l of the ring N, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, as shown at N2, Fig. 11, andis of less length and diameter than the depth and diameter of the cavityJ in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3. The shank part O1L of the plunger O,Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, is an extension of the body O3, Fig. 6, but of lessdiameter than the cavity K in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3. This shank partis of greater length than the cavity K in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, soas to allow of its extending into the cavity L ofthe gate H, and has ascrew-thread thereon for the purpose of screwing on the nut P by passingit into the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3. Therefore byinserting the shank OL and body O2, Fig. 6, of the plunger O, Figs. 1,2, 3, 6, through the ring N and into the cavities J K L of the gate-H,Figs. 1, 2, 3, and then passing the nut P down the cavity L of the gateH, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and screwing it on the cnd ofthe shank O, Fig. 6, ofthe plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, until it bears against the shoulder inthe cavity L, Figs. 1, 2, 3, formed by the smaller cavity K, the headO2, Fig. 6, of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, is drawn down upon theinside bevel NG N, Fig. 12, of the ring, thus securing the ring N uponthe face H2 of the gate H, and preventing the plunger O from fallingoutof the gate H.

Q, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates a spiral spring of desired length, itsdiameter being a little less than the diameter of the cavity L in thegate H.l

R R R2, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 17, indicate a needle, the shaft R2 extendinginto the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and into the hole O ofthe plunger O, Figs. 1, 7, 3, 6. and surrounded by the spiral spring Qwithin the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3.

At Fig. 17, R indicates the head of the neef die, the diameter of thehead R corresponding to the diameter of the cavity L in the gate H,Figs. 1, 2, 3.

R', Fig. 17, indicates a spur-like projection extending from the head R,said spur being slot connecting the cavities L and M in the gate H,Figs. 1, 2, 3.

R2, Fig. 17, indicates the shaft of the needle R R R2, Figs. 1, 2, 3,17. The shaft R2 is passed through the spiral spring Q, so as to let oneend of the spira-l spring Q press against the he'ad R.

The shaft R2 is then passed into the cavity L of the gate H, and theninto the hole O of the punger O until it reaches the surface of the headO2 of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 6. Vhen the head R of the needle isinside of the cavity L ofthe gate H, the screw S is inserted through theright side of the gate H, near the end H2, so that the point of thescrew S will enter the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, behind thehead R of the needle, Fig. 17, as shown at H2 L S, Figs. 1, 2, 3.

S, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates one of two screws through the opposite sidesof the gate H. The points of the screws S enter the cavity La sixteenthof an inch, and are situated about a quarter of an inch in the rear ofthe nut P, the front of the spiral spring Q resting upon them, so as toprevent the spiral springQ from pressing against the nut l? or the endof the shank O", Fig. 6, of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6.

T, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates an inverted-V shaped spring. secured in therear of the cavity F F in the bolt-seat D2 of the breech-connection bythe screw T, and is intended to press forward the bolt, Fig. 16, so thatthe catch part G5, Figs. 1, 2, 3,16, will enter the cavity M in the gateH, Figs. 1, 2, 3, when the gate H is closed down, as shown at G5 M,Figs. 1, 3.

U, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates aspring having an upright part or elbow, UU2. The lower part,

U, of the elbow U U2 is round or oval, to

correspond to the hole D2 through the bridge D D of thebreechconnection, and the hole G2 through the slide G G of the bolt,Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15,16.. The sides of the upper part, U2, of the upright UU2 are flattened, to correspond to the diameter of the slot G2 in theslide G G ofthe bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, as far as the combinedthickness of the metal of the bridge D D at the hole D2 of thebreech-connection and the slide G G of the bolt, as at G3, Figs. 1, 2,3,15, .16. The spring U is secured to the bottom of thebreech-connection at DL by the screw U2, as shown at Figs. 1, 2, 3.

V, Figs. 1, 2, 3,'indicate`s a trigger having two jaws, V V2, so as toallow the' spur G of the bolt to set between them. V2 indicates a notchin the trigger V for the spring Y to press the trigger V upright afterthe part V2 has raised the sear a of the lock by drawing the lower orfinger part, V5, of the trigger V back'toward the butt of the stock A2A2.

W indicates the standard on the top of the guard-plate X X. The standardW and the guard X X have a longitudinal slot through them, as at X X',for the purpose of passing the trigger V up into its place. The screw WVis then passed through the standard WV and trigger V, and serves as anaxis for the trigger V to work upon.

X2 indicates the guard of the finger part V5 O, so as to allow itspassa-ge through the openof the trigger V, and is secured to theguardplate X X by the nuts Z Z.

Y indicates a spring secured on top of the guard-plate X X by the nutZ', the end of the spring Y being placed in the notch V of the triggerV, for the purpose of forcing the trigger V upright after the pressureis withdrawn from the finger part V5 of the trigger V.

a indicates the sear of the lock.

b indicates the hammer of the lock.

A2 A2 represent the stock of the gun. The sides of the cavity in thestock A2 A2, wherein the breech-connection rests, are strengthened bytwo thin sheets of metal secured by screws, as atfff, Fig. 2.

c indicates a screw that passes up through the rear end of theguard-plate X X and through the stock A2 A2 into the breech-connectionat D", so as to secure all three together. c indicates ascrew passing upthrough the front end of the guard-plate X X into the stock A2 A1,forthe purpose of holding the guard-plate X X to the stock A2 A2.

At Fig. 4 is represented a detached gate, H, with the parts assembled,77showing a solid plunger, O, and swivel-connection O with nut P thereon,together with the expanding ring N. H indicates the hinge-joint of thegate H, Figs. l, 2, 3, corresponding to a female hinge-joint on thejacket D' of the breech-connection, Figs. l, 2, 8. J, Fig. 4, indicatesa cavity ot a little greater diameter than the body O of the plunger' O,Figs. 4, 5, the sides of the cavity J being parallel and of a littlegreater length than the body O3 of the plunger O, Figs. 4, 5. The cavityK tapers from the cavity J to K', so as to correspond to the taperingsides of the swivel O, Figs. 4, 5. rlhe sides of the cavity X areparallel and oval or square, to correspond to the end of the swivel O.The cavity K connects the cavities K and L. The cavity L is the sainediameter as the diameter ot' the nut P on the end of the swivel O',Figs. 4, 5. The cavity L extends from the cavity K to the end, H3, ofthe gate H. M indicates a cavity in the end Hi's of the gate H, ofdesired depth and of corresponding diameter to admit the catch G5 ofthe'bolt G G G* Figs. 1, 2, 8, 16.

Fig. 5 represents a solid plunger, O, and detached swivel-connection Owith a circular nut, P, thereon. Ol indicates the head of the plunger O,beveled to correspond. to the inside bevel, N6 N, of the expanding ringN, Fig. 12, the diameter of the body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 5, beingthe same as thediameter ot' the hole N* ofthe expanding ring, Figs. 11,12. The sides of the body OiI ofthe plunger O, Fig. 5, are parallel, itslength being less than the depth of the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 4.O" O5 O6, Fig. 5, indicatethe shank-continuation of the plunger O, whichis of much less diameter than the body O3. On the end ot' the shank O"O5 OG is a ball, O6, of suitable diameter, to workin the slot O9 oftheswivel O. The shank O" O5 06 is niched at ing C)S of the swivel O. At O7of the swivel O the hole or slot O is of less diameter than the ball Oon the shank OL O5 O6 ofthe plunger O, the hole O9 being rst drilledwith a drill of a little greater diameter than the part O5 of the shank0^L O5 OG of the plunger O,V

but of less diameter than the ball O6, the lower part of the slot O9being then increased to a greater diameter than the ball O, so as toallow the ball to have free play therein. The slot O is then cut throughthe top O7 of the swivel O', to admit the niche part O" of the plunger Obeing passed through it, when the plunger O and swivel O', Fig. 5, beingdrawn in opposite directions longitudinally, the rim O7 ofthe swivel O'prevents the ball OG of the plunger O from passing out of the slot O ofthe swivel O, as shown in the cavities J K of the gate H, Fig. 4, at O'LO5 O of the plunger O and O7 Os O9 of the swivel O.

In assembling77 the several parts above described, and arranging them inthe gate H, Fig. 4, the niche O'L ot' the plunger O, Fig. 5, is passedinto the slot Os of the swivel O, Fig. 5, the ball O6 on the end of theshank O5 oi' the plunger O, Fig. 5, is then within the slot O'J of theswivel O. The plunger O and swivel O' are then drawn in oppositedirections until the ball OG is checked by the4 rim OT. The plunger Oand swivel O, Fig. 5, when attached together, as above described, arepassed through the ring N and then through the cavities J K K until theend of the swivel O projects into the cavity L, when the nut P isinserted into the cavity L Yand passed up to the end of the swivel O',onto which it is screwed until it bears upon the shoulder formed by thecavity K', thereby holding the ring N, Figs. 4, 12, and plunger O withswivel O', Fig. 5, in their respective places upon the face H2, and inthe cavities J K K L of the gate H, Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 represents a solid plunger, O, to be used in the gate H, Figs. 1,2, 3, with the ring N, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 12, but without the needle R R R2and spiral spring Q, Figs. 1, 2, 3. At O2, Fig. 7 is indicated the headofthe plunger O, beveled to correspond to the inside bevel, N N, of thering, Fig. 12. The body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 7, is of correspondingdiameter to the hole N4 of the ring N, Figs. 11, 12, and is of lesslengthand diameter than the cavity J in the gate H, Figs. l, 2, 3. rllheshank OIl of the plunger O, Fig. 7, has a screwthread on the end thereoffor the nut I to be screwed on, and is of proper length and diameter toextend into the cavity L through the cavity K in the gate H, Figs.r1, 2,3, when the body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 7, is in the cavity J of thegate H, and the head O2 ofthe 0, Fig. 7, is surrounded by the ring N,Figs. 1, 2, 3, 12, which it holds in its place upon the face H2 of thegate H, as at Figs. 1, 2, 3.

Fig. 8 represents a detached gate, H, with the parts assembled by theplunger O and and circular nut P, Fig. 9, needle, Fig. 10, and

ring N, Figs. 8, 12. H indicates the hingeluThe head-R of the needle,Fig. 10, has a small jointof the gate H, Fig. 8. H2 indicates the faceof the gate H, and H3 indicates the end of the gate H. J K indicate acavity in the gate H, of requisite diameter and length to` admit thebody O3 and shank O4 of the plunger O, Fig. 9. L indicates a cavity inthe gate H, Fig. 8, extending from the cavity K through the end H3 ofthe gate H, of sufficient diameter to admit the passage in of the nut Ion the end of the shank OAL of the plunger O, Fig. 9. The cavity L inthe gate H, Fig. 8, is connected with the cavity M by a slot ofcorresponding diameter to the spur R of theneedle, Fig. 10. The cavity Min thegateH, Fig. 8, is of corresponding diameter to the catch part G5of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 16, and is of proper depth to admit themovement forward of 'the spnr R of the needle, Fig. 10, and the catchGr5 of the bolt, Fig. 16.

At Fig. 9, O indicates a plunger having a longitudinal bore, O5 O6,through its center. rllhe head OZ of the plunger O is beveled tocorrespond to the inside bevel, N6, of the ring N, Figs. 8, 12. (isindicates the body of the plunger O, Fig. 9, the body O3 being of alittle less diameter and length than the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 8.OAk indicates the shank of the plunger O, Fig. 9, the shank O being of alittle less diameter than the cavity K in the gate H, Fig. 8, but ofproper length to project into the cavity L of the gate H when the headO2 of the plunger O, Fig. 9, is inside the ring N, Figs. 8, 12, and thebody O3 and shank O* of t-he plunger O, Fig. 9, are passed through thecavities J K of the gate H, Fig. 8. rlhe nut P is screwed on the end ofthe shank, O* in the cavity L until it bears upon the shoulder in thecavity L, formed by the cavity K in the gate H, Fig. 8. On the end ofthe shank O* of the plunger O, Fig. 9, is a screw-thread correspondingto the screwthreads inside the nut P. r1`he nut P, Fig. 9, is ofcorresponding diameter to the diameter of the cavity L in the gate H,Fig. 8. The screw-threads in the nut P, Figs. 8, 9, extend only half thedepth of the nut P, forming thereby the rim F P, the other half, l?2 P2,of the nut P having a small hole, P3, through the center, correspondingin diameter to the diameter of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 10.Through the head ()`l and body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 9, is alongitudinal hole, O, of corresponding diameter to the shaft R2 of theneedle, Fig. 10. Through the shank O* of the plunger O, Fig. 9, is alongitudinal hole, O5, extending from the hole OG through the end of theshank O. The hole O5 is of corresponding diameter to thc ring or collarR:X on the shaft R'l of the needle, Fig. 10.

At Fig` 10, R indicates the head of a needle having a spur, R, withflattened sides extending from it. The diameter of the head R and thediameter and length of the spur Rl correspond to the diameter of thecavity L and the diameter and height of the combined cavities L M andconnecting-slot in the gate H, Fig. 8.

hole with screw-thrcadtherein corresponding to the screw-thread on theshaft R2. rIhe shaft R2 is of uniform diameter throughout its length,

and corresponds to the diameter of the hole O5 through the head O2 andbody O" of the plunger O, Fig. 9, and the hole l?3 through the center13Az of the nut P on the end of the shank O4 of the rplunger O, Figs. 8,9, and has a screw- .thread upon the end-in rear of the ringor collarR3, corresponding to the screw-thread in the head R. The ring or collarR3 is permanently attached around the shaft R2, and is of the samediameter as the hole O5 through the shank O4 of the plunger O, Fig. 9. A

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 8, the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9,is passed through the ring N, Figs. 8, 12, until the head O2 of theplunger O, Figs. 8, 9, is surrounded by the ring N, Figs. 8, 12, whenthe shank O4 and body O3 of the plunger O, Figs. 8. 9, are passed downinto the cavities J K L of the gate H, Fig. 8, until the end of theshank O* of the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9, is protruding into the cavity Lof the gate H, Fig. 8, through the cavityK, and the ring N, Figs. 8, 12,is secured upon'the face H2 of the gate H, Fig. 8, by the beveled headO`Z of the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9. The head R, with spur R of the needle,Fig. 10, is then screwed off the shaft R2 of the needle, and the shaftR2 of the needle is passed through the spiral spring Q, of the samediameter as the hole O5 in the shank 04 of the plunger O, Fig. 9. Theshaft R2 of the needle, with spiral spring Q surrounding it and pressingagainst the front of the ring or collar R3, is then inserted into thehole O5 O6 in the shank O* and body O3 and head O2 of the plunger' O,Fig. 9, until the point of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 10, is evenwith the surface of the head C)2 of the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9, and thespiral spring Q presses against the shoulder in the hole O5, formed bythe hole O6 in the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9. The part of theshaft R2 havingthe screw-thread on remains in the cavity L, while the ring or collar R3is in the hole O5 of shank 0*' of the plunger O. The` nut P is theninserted into the cavityL of the gate H until it presses the shaft R2 ofthe needle in its place, when the nut P is screwed onto the end of theshank 04 of the plunger, O until it bears against the shoulder in thecavity L, formed by the cavity K. The head R and spur R of the needle ispassed into the cavity Lof the gate H, pressing the shaft R2 of theneedle, that projects into the cavity L of the gate H, through the holeP3 of the nut P forward, so that the point of the shaft R2 of the needlewillbe forced out through the head O2 of the plunger O, Figs. 8,9,'thereby en abling the screwing around of the shaft R2 of 'the needle,so that the end in the cavityL can be screwed into the head R of theneedle, while the spur R of the needle is in the slot and cavity M ofthe gate H, Fig. 8.

Fig. 13 represents a detached gate, H, assembled with the plunger O andnut P, Fig.

14, and ring N, Figs. 12, 13. H indicates the l indicates a cavityextending from hinge-joint of the gate H. The sides of the cavity J inthe gate H taper from the face H2 ofthe gate H to the cavity K, thediameter of the cavity J at the face H2 of the gate H being a littlegreater than the diameter of the hole N4 in the ring N, Figs. 11, 12,13, so as to admit the body O3 of the plunger O, Figs; 13, 14, to haveroom to Inove sidewise when the head O2 of the plunger O, Figs. 13, 14,is in the ring N, Fig. 13, and the ring N is resting upon the face H2 ofthe gate H. K indicates a continuation of the cavity J, the sides of thecavity K being parallel and the diameter being a little greater than thediameter of the shank O4 ofthe plunger O, Figs. 13, 14. The cavity L isof a little greater diameter than the nut P on the end of the shank C)4of the plunger O, Figs. 13, 14, and extends through the end H3 of thegate H up to the cavity K. The cavity M extends into the end H3 oi' thegate H below the cavity L, and is of proper depth and diameter to admitthe catch Gr5 of the bolt, Fig. 16, to move therein as desired.

At Fig. 14, O2 O3 indicate the head and body of a-solid plunger, O, thesides of the head O2 and body O3 tapering to correspond to the insidebevel, N6 N, of the ring N, Figs. 12, 13, the diameter of the top of thehead O2 being the same as the diameter of the hole through the ring N,Figs. 12, 13, at the top edge, N N Fig. 12. O* indicates the shank ofthe plunger O, Figs. 13, 14. The sides, being parallel, extend from thetapered body O3. On the end of the shank O4 is a nut, P, of a littleless diameter than the diameter of the cavityL in the gate H, Fig. 13.

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 13, the nut P is screwed offthe shank O4 of the plunger O, and the plunger O is inserted through thering N and passed through the cavities J K of the gate H until the ringN rests upon the face H2 of the gate H, while the the end of the shankOL of the plunger O is inserted through the cavity K into the cavity Lof the gate H, when the nut P is inserted into the cavity L of the gateH and screwed onto the end of the shank O* of the plunger O, Figs. 13,14, until it bears against the shoulder in the cavity L, formed by thecavity K in the gate H, Fig. 13, thereby holding the ring N, Figs. 12,13, and plunger O, Figs. 13, 14, in their places on and in the gate H,Fi g.13.

Fig. 18 represents a detached gate, H, assembled with the expanding ringN, Figs. 12, 18, and plunger O,with hook O, Figs.18, 19. J, Fig. 18,indicates a cavity of uniform diame ter, extending from the face H2 ofthe gate H, of a little greater diameter and length than the body O"s ofthe plunger O, Figs. 18, 19. The sides of the cavity K taper, so as tocorrespond to the tapering sides of the hook O', Figs. 18, 19. At theend of the cavity K in gate H, Fig. 18, where it enters the cavity L,the sides are oval or square, so as to prevent the hook O', Figs. 18,19, from turning round while screwing on the nut P, Figs. 18, 19. L

the tapering cavity K through the end H2 of the gate H, Fig. 18. Thediameter of the cavity L is a little greater than the diameter of thenut P, Figs. 18, 19, on the end of the hook O, Figs. 18, 19. M, Fig. 18,indicates a cavity in the gate H at H3, of proper diameter and depth toadmit the catch G5 of the bolt, Fig. 16.

At Fig. 19, O indicates a solid plunger, and O indicates a swivel-hook.The head O2 of the plunger O is beveled to 'correspond to the insidebevel, N 6 N 5, of the ring N, Figs. 12,18. The sides of the body O3 ofthe plunger O, Fig. 19, are parallel and extend from the head O2 to theshank O4. The shank OA1 is of less diameter than the body O. rlhroughthe shank O4 is a slot, O2, leaving the bottom O of the shank 0^L solid,so as to admit andhold the lips O7 of the hook O, the slot- O5 beinglong enough to admit the lips O7 of the hook O to play up and down. Thehook Ois formed by splitting a piece of metal and turning the ends OT toform lips, as shown at O7, Fig. 20, thereby leaving the space O2, Fig.19, between the two sides, so that the end O of the shank O4 of theplunger O can slip up and down therein When the lips O7 are secured inthe slot O5, as shown at O5 O .O7 O8 in the cavities J K of the gate H,Fig. 18. On the solid end of the hook O is ascrew-thread correspondingto the screw-thread in the nut P, Figs. 18, 19.

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 18, the plunger O, Fig. 19, ispassed through the ring N, Figs. 12, 18, until the sides of the head O2of the plunger O, Figs. 18, 19, bear upon the inside bevel, N N6, of thering N, Figs. 12, 18. rlhe lips OT of the hook O, Figs. 19, 20, are thenopened or separated, and the link end O of the shank O* of the plungerO, Fig. 19, is passed between the lips O7 of the hook O until the pointsof the lips O7 are interlocked in the slot O5 in the shank O4 of theplunger O. Vhen the lips O7 of the hook O are closed in the slot O5, thenut P is taken 0H the end of the hook O, and the hook O and plungerO,held by the hook O, are passed through the cavities J K into the cavityL oi' the gate H, when the nut P is passed into the cavity L and isscrewed upon the end of the hook O until it bears against the shoulderin the cavity L, formed by the cavity K, the head O2 ofthe plunger O,Figs. 18, 19, being thereby drawn into the ring N, Figs. 12, 18. The nutP, when secured on the end of the hook O in the cavity L, holds the hookO, plunger O, and ring N in their respective places in and upon the gateH, Fig. 18.

At Fig. 2l, R indicates the head of a needle with a iine screw-threadtherein. The head R is the same diameter as the cavity L in the gate H,Fig. 22. The spur R has fiat sides, and is of corresponding diameter tothe slot connecting the cavities L and M in the gate H, Fig. 22. R2indicates the shaft of the needle, the shaft R2 having a iinescrew-thread thereon extending from the end where the head R is screwedon up to the small round nut or collar R, which is also screwed on. ldle, Fig. 21, having a screw-thread thereon,

The shaft R2 continues of uniform diameter until it reaches the shoulderat R", when the diameter increases, and it continues with parallel sidesto the point at Fig. 22 represents a detached gate with the partsassembled, the expanding ring N, Fig. 12, with needle, Fig. 21,surrounded by a spiral spring, Q, and plunger O, Fig. 23. J indicates acavity extending from the face H2 of the gate H, Fig. 22, to the cavityK, and is of a little greater length and diameter than the body O3 ofthe plunger O, Fig. 23. The cavity K extends from the cavity J to thecavity L, and is of a little greater diameter than the shank O'L of theplunger O, Fig. 23. The cavity L extends from the cavityK through theend H3 of the gate H, Fig. 22, and is of a little greater diameter thanthe nut P on the end of the shank OLof the plunger O, Fig. 23. Thecavity M extends into the end H3 of the gate H, and is connected atthetop with the cavity L by a slot to admit the passage of the spur R ofthe needle, Fig. 21.

At Fig. 23, O indicates a plunger having a longitudinal hole, O5 O6 O7,through its center, the head O2 having beveled sides to correspond tothe inside bevel, N, ofthe ring N, Figs. 12, 22. The body O,3 of theplunger O, Fig. 23, extending from the head O2 with parallel sides tothe shank O, is of a little less length and diameter than the cavityJ inthe gate H, Fig. 22. The shank OAL of the plunger O, Fig. 23, hasparallel sides, and extends from the body O3 a requisite length for theend with the screwthread on for the nut P to project into the cavity Lof the gate H, Fig. 22, when the head O`l of the plunger O, Fig. 23, isinserted in and is surrounded by the ring N, Figs. 12, 22. Thelongitudinal hole Os in the head O2 and body Ois of the plunger O, Fig.23, is of the saine length and diameter as the shaft of the needle, Fig.21, from RL to The hole Oi extends from the hole O5 to the hole OT. andis of the saine diameter as the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21. Thehole O6 is of any desired length, and connects the holes O5 and O7, Fig.23. The hole 0T extends from the hole O through the shank OL of theplunger O, its diameter being a little greater than the diameter of thering or collar R" on the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21, and of thespiral spring Q, Fig. 22, surrounding the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig.2l, in the plunger O in the gate H, Fig. 22. rllhe circular nut P on theshank O* of the plunger O, Fig. 23, is of a little less diameter thanthe cavity L in the gate H, Fig. 22.

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 22, the head R and spur R andring or collar R3 of the needle, Fig. 21, are screwed off, when thesmall end of the shaft Rof the needle, Fig. 2l, is passed down the holeO5 OG O7 of the plunger O, Fig. 23, until the point R5 of the shaft R ofthe needle, Fig. 21, is even with the top of the head O2 of the plungerO, Fig. 23. The small end of the shaft R2 of the neewill then projectout of the end of the vshank Ol of the plunger O, Fig. 23. The spiralspring Q, Fig. 22, is then slipped on the pro jccting end of the shaftR2 of the needle, Fig. 21, and is pressed up into the hole O7 of theplunger O, Fig. 22, until it reaches the shoulder formed by the hole OG.The ring or collar R3 on the needle, Fig. 21, is then screwed on theshaft R2 of the needle until it enters the hole OT in the plunger O,Fig. 23, and abuts against the spiral spring Q, as shown in the gate H,Fig. 22. The plunger O, Fig. 23, with the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig.21, and

spiral spring Q, Fig. 22, is then passed into i the ring N, Figs. 12,22, and cavities J K L of the gate H, Fig. 22, until the ring N restsup*- on the fac-e H2 of the gate H, and the Iscrewthread end of theshaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21, and the shank O* of the plunger O, Fig.23, project into the cavity L of the gate H, Fig. 22, when the nut P,Fig. 23, is inserted into the cavity L, the end of the shaft R2 of theneedle, Fig. 21, passing through it. The nut l? is then screwed on theend of the shank OAk of the plunger O, Fig. 23, until it bears againstthe shoulder formed by the cavity K in the cavity L in the gate H. Thehead R and spur R of the needle, Fig. 21, are then inserted into thecavity L and slot and cavity M inthe gate H, and pressed forward againstthe end of the shaft R2 of the needle, thereby contracting the spiralspring Q, Fig. 22, and pushing the point R5 of the shaft of the needle,Fig. 21, out through the head O2 of the plunger O, Fig. 23, when thepoint R5 ofthe needle, Fig. 21, is screwed around, thereby causing thesmall end of the shaft of the needle that is in the cavity L to advanceinto the head R of the needle, Fig. 21, while the spur R of the needlerests in the cavity M and slot connecting the cavities L and M. Vhen thepressure is withdrawn from the head R of the needle, the spiral springQ, bearing upon the 'ring or collar R3 on the shaft R2 ofthe needle,forces the shaft of the needle back, so that the point lof the shaft ofthe needle is even with the sur face of the head Olz of the plunger O,and the head R ofthe needle is retained within the cavity L.

Fig. 24 represents a detached gate with the parts assembled, showing theneedle, Fig. 17, surrounded b v a spiral spring, Q. J indicates alongitudinal hole of corresponding diameter to the shaft R of theneedle, Fig. 17, and extending from the face H2 of the gate H to thecavity K. K indicates a cavity of a little greater diameter than thehead R of the needle, Fig. 17, and' extending from the hole J throughthe end H3 of the gate H. The rear part, L, ofthe cavity K is connectedwith the cavity M by a slot of proper diameter to admit the passage ofthe spur R of the head R of the needle, Fig. 17. The cavity M in thegate H is of corresponding diameter to the catch G5 of the bolt, Fig.16, and of desired depth to allow the movement of the spur R of theneedle, Fig. 17, and the catch G5 of the bolt, Fig. 16, to enter as faras required.

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 24, the spiral spring Q ispassed into the cavity K L until it reaches the shoulder formed by thesmall hole J. The point of the shaft R5 of the needle, Fig. 17, is theninserted into the cavity K L and passed through the spiral spring Q intothe hole J until it is even with the face HVof the gate, and the rearend of the spiral spring Q bears against the head It of the needle whilethe spur R' is in the cavity M and slot connecting the cavities L and M.The screw s' is then screwed through the side near the end H5 of thegate until its point projects into the cavity L in rear of the head R ofthe needle, Fig. 17, so as to prevent the spiral spring Q from forcingthe needle out of the gate.

Fig. 25 represents a metallic cartridgecase of corresponding diameter tothe bore of the chamber C of the barrel A A, Figs. 1, 2, 3. N111, Fig.25, indicates the base. N12 N12 indicate the beveled sides correspondingto. the bevel C of the end of the cartridge-chamber C, Figs. 1, 2, 3.N15 N13 indicate the parallel sides of equal diameter to the chamber Cof the barrel A A, Figs. 1, 2, 3. N11, Fig. 25, indicates the bore intowhich the detonating wafer, powder, and ball are inserted. N15 indicatesa vent-hole through thebottom or base N11, extending into the bore N11,to allow the passage of the point of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig.17, into the detonating-wafer set into the bottom Yof the bore N11.

'At Fig. 26 are represented the barrel A A B C C' and breech-connectionD D D D' D`5 D3 D* D5, Figs. 1, 2, 3, with the cap-cone E in dots in thecone-seat on the side of the jacket D D, E, and T, detached from thestock A2 A2 and trigger V, Figs. 1, 2, 3. F F, Fig. 26, indicate achannel in the bottom of the bridge D' D D2 and bolt-seat D3 of thebreech-connection, of greater length but of same breadth and depth asthe slide part G G of the bolt, Fig. 30. Extending upward from thechannel F F, Fig. 26, into the bolt-seat D5, is a perpendicular cavity,F' F', of the same diameter as the sides of the standard G1 of the bolt,Fig. 30. f The height of the cavity F F', Fig. 26, corresponds to theheight of the standard Gf1 from the slide part G G to the shoulder atG5, Fig. 30. The cavity F F', Fig. 26, is of sufficient length to permitthe standard G", Fig. 30, to move backward and forward when the slidepart G G is in the channel F F, Fig. 26. Fz F1, Fig. 26, indicate alongitudinal hole through the center of the bolt-seat D5, the bottom ofthe said hole F2 F`l being connected by t-he cavity F' F with thechannel F F. The diameter of the hole F2 FZ corresponds to the diameterof the catch part G5'of the bolt, Fig. 30, which is another form orarrangement of the device represented in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, and 16,being formed of two separate parts, instead of an individual or onesingle piece.

At G G G G G5 Gl1 G5 G6 G1, Fig. 26, is represented a bolt, as shown atFig. 30. G G indicates the slide part ofthe bolt, which is of lesslength than the channel F F, Fig. 26, but ofthe same breadth and depthas the channel F F, Fig. 26. On the bottom of the slide G- G,

'Figs 26, 30, is a spur, G', formed to fit between the jaws V' V1 of thetrigger V, Figs. 1, 2, 3. Through the slide G G, Figs. 26, 30, there isa round or oval hole, G1, and slot G5, vas shown at G1 G5, Fig. 25. rFhestandard G1 of the bolt, Fig. 30, is of the same diameter as thediameter of the cavity F' F' in the bolt seat D3, Fig. 26. The height ofthe standard G5, Fig. 30, from the slide part G G to the shoulder at thetop G5, is the same as the height of the ends of the cavity F' F' fromthe channel F F to the longitudinal hole F1, Fig. 26. The top G5 of thestandard G1 of the bolt, Figs. 26, 30, is of less diameter than thelower part, G1, and is of the same length as the depth of the hole G7 inthe catch GG of the bolt, Figs. 26, 30. Therefore when the catch GGofthe bolt, Figs. 26, 30, is passed into the longitudinal hole Fz o1"the bolt-seat D, Fig. 26, and the standard G4, Fig. 30, is inserted intothe cavity F F', Fig. 26, until the top G5, Fig. 80, of the standard G4enters the hole G7 in the catch G5, and the slide G G rests in thechannel F F, Fig. 26, the metallic plates g gare secured to the bottomof the bridge D D' D2 and bolt-seat D3 by screws, to re` tain the slidepart G G and standard G1 in their places, and to permit their ownmovement, and thereby that of the catch part G, whenever a pressure isapplied upon the front or back of the spur G', Fig. 26, by the jaws V'V2 of the trigger V, as at G' V V5, Figs. 1 2, 3.

7At Fig. 26, H indicates a gate hinged to the jacket D by the hinge-pinI. The face H2 of the gate H abuts against the breech of the barrel A Aand jacket D D. The end H3 of the gate H is slightly curved, tocorrespond to the frpnt of the bolt-seat D5.. J indicates a cavity ofuniform diameter extending from the face H2 into the gate Has far asrequired,to admit the plunger O and swivel O, Fig. 27. K5', Fig. 26,indicates a cavity in the top ofthe gate H, corresponding in diameter tothe head ofthe screw L', the lower part, K5, of the cavity K2 beingsmaller,with a screw-thread therein corresponding to the diameter andscrew-thread of the screw L. The point of the screw L' is rounded, so asto move back the swivel O'- when forced down upon the oblique end of theslot O9, Figs. 4, 5, of the swivel O'. M, Fig. 26, indicates a cavity inthe gate H,of proper depth and diameter in the end H3 of the gate H toadmit the entrance into it of the catch G6 of the bolt. N indicates thering, Fig. 12, and is held upon the face H2 of the gate H by the plungerwhich is held in the cavity J of the gate H by the swivel O being heldback in the cavity J by the screw L bearing upon the oblique end of theslot O9in the swivel O.

At Fig. 27,0 indicates a plunger with swivel 0 detached. 02 indicatesthe head of the plunger 0, the sides of the head 02 beingbeveled tocorrespond to the inside bevel, N6 N6, ofthe ring N, Figs. 12, 26. 03indicates the body of the plunger 0, Fig. 27 the diameter of the body 03being the same as the diameter of the hole N2 ofthe ring N, Figs. 11,12, 26, but less than the diameter of the cavity J in the gate H, Fig.26, the length of the body 03 of the plunger 0, Fig. 27, being half aninch, more or less, according to the depth ofthe cavity J in the gate H,Fig. 26. 0*, Fig. 27, indicates the shank of the plunger 0. The shank 04is of less diameter than the body 02 and of any desired length, with aslot, 05, eX- tending from the body 03 nearly the whole length of theshank 02, thereby formingasolid portion of metal, as at 0, connectingthe two sides of the shank 0*, formed by the slot 02. The swivel 0 is ofthe same diameter as the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 26, and of suchlength as to allow a space between its end and the end of the cavity J,as at 0 J, Fig. 26. The swivel 0', Fig. 27 has a longitudinal cavity,07, of the same length but of greater diameter than the shank 02 of theplunger 0. The plunger 0 being passed through the ring N, Figs. 12, 26,the shank 04 of the plunger 0, Fig. 27, is inserted into the cavity 07of the swivel 0 when the pin O10 is passed through one side 08 of theswivel 0, and through the slot 05 in the shank 04 of the plunger 0, andthen through the other side 08 ot' the swivel 0, thereby securing theplunger 0 and the swivel 0 together, when the swivel 0', Fig. 27 isinserted into the cavity J of the gate H, Fig. 26, and the screw L isscrewed into the cavity K2 K3 of the gate H until the point of the screwL presses upon the oblique or rear end of the slot 0i of the swivel 0,the screw L thereby forcing the swivel 0, with the plunger 0 attached,back into cavity J of the gate H,while the ring N is held upon the faceH2 of the gate H by the head 02, Fig. 27 oi' the plunger 0, Figs. 26,27.

At Fig. 26, T2 indicates a spiral spring set in the rear of the slide GG of the bolt, Figs. 26, 30, in the channel F Fin the bolt-seat D2, Fig.26, the spiral spring I2 being intended for the purpose of pressingforward the bolt G G G4 G, Figs. 26, 30, when the gate H is shut down,so that the catch part G6 of the bolt, Figs. 26, 30,will be pressed intothe cavity M of the gate H, as shown at G6 M, Fig. 26. rlhe spring U UU2 U2, Fig. 26, is the same and operates the same as the spring U U U2U2, Figs. l, 2, 3.

Fig. 28 represents a detached gate, H, with the parts assembled bylthering N, Figs. 12, 28, and plunger 0 with swivel 0, Figs. 28, 29. At Fig.28, H indicates the hinge-j oint of the gate H. H2 indicates the face ofthe gate H. H3 indicates the end of the gate H. J indicates a cavity ofuniform diameter extending into thek gate H from thevface H2 asi'ar asrequired. K2 K2 indicate a cavity in the gate H for the screw L', theupper part, K2, of the cavity Kz l05 together.

K3 being of greater diameter than the lower part, K2, so as to admit thehead of the screw L. The lower part, K3, of the cavity K2 K3 has ascrewthread therein corresponding to the screw-thread on the screw L. Lindicates a screw, the point being rounded or beveled off, so as to bearobliquely upon the front edge, 02, of the swivel 0. M indicates a cavityextending into the end H2 of the gate H, of cor responding diameter tothe catch G5 of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 16, and G, Figs. 26, 30, and ofsufficient depth to admit of its entering as far as required. N, Fig.28, indicates the ring N, Fig. 12, and is held upon the face H2 of thegate H, Fig. 28, by the plunger 0, which is held in the cavity J of thegate H bythe swivel 0 being held back in the cavity J of the gate H, bythe point of the screw L bearing upon the round or front edge, 02, ofthe swivel 0.

At Fig. 29, 0 representsa plunger with ,a swivel, 0', detached. theplunger 0, the sides of the head 02 of the plunger 0 being beveled tocorrespond to the inside bevel, N6 N6, of the ring N, Figs. 12, 28. 03indicates the body of the plunger 0, Fig. 29, the diameter of the body03 being the same as the diameter of the holev N4 of the ring N, Figs.11, 12,28, but of less diameter-than the diameter of the cavity J in thegate H, Fig. 28. The length of the body 0i of the plunger 0, Fig. 29, ishalf an inch more or less, .according tothe depth of the cavity J in thegate H, Fig. 28. 02, Fig. 29, indicates the shank of the plunger 0,Figs. 28, 29. The shank 04 is of less diameter than the body 03 of theplunger 0 and the hole 07 through the swivel 0', and of sufficientlength to project throughout the length of the swivel 0. The shank 0*has a slot, 05, of desired length cut through it, commencing near theend 0, and. extending up toward the body 02, the end 06,.

remaining solid, holds the two sides of the slot The swivel 0 is ofl thesame diameter as the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 28, and of desiredlength so as to allow a space between it and the rear of the cavity J,as at 0l J, Fig. 28. The swivel 0', Fig. 29,l has a cavity, 02,throughout its length. The said cavity 0T is lof greater diameter thanthe shank 04 of the plunger 0. The plunger 0. being passed through thering N, Figs. 12, 28, the shank 04 of the plunger 0, Figs. 28, 29, isinserted into the cavity 0T at 0J of the swivel 0, and is pushed throughthe cavity 07 of the swivel 0l until the end 0i of the shank 0 of theplunger 0 projects through the swivel -0, when the pin 010 is pressedthrough one side 08 of the swivel 0', and through the slot O5 of theshank 04 of theplunger 0, and then through the opposite side at 08 ofthe swivel 0, thereby securing the plunger 0 and swivel 0 together. Theswivel 0, with plunger 0 attached, as above described, is then insertedinto the cavity J of the gate H, Fig. 28, and the screw L is screwedinto the cavity K2 K3 of the gate H until the point of the` screw Lbears upon the round or oblique edge 0 of 02 indicates the head of Yfall, as shown at Fig. 2.

the swivel O, the screw L thereby forcing the swivel O', with theplunger O, back into the gate H until the ring N, Figs. 12, 23, bearsupon the face H2 of the gate H in consequence ofthe head O2 of theplunger O, Figs. 28, 29, being retained within the ring N, Figs. 12, 28,by the bevel N 2 N 6 inside the ring N.

In the operation of my improvements, the gate H is thrown upward andover by pressing forward toward the muzzle of the gun the finger part V5ofthe trigger V, as shown at Fig. 2. The jaw' V of the trigger V pressesagainst the front of the spur G on the bottom of the slide G G of thebolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 26, thereby causing the bolt to move back towardthe butt of the stock A2 A2, contracting the spring T, Figs. 1, 2, 3, asshown at T, Fig. 2, and freeing the cavity M of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2,3, of the catch part G5 of the bolt. The jaw V of the trigger V, Figs.1, 2, 3, having moved back the bolt G G G2 G2 G2 G5 by pressing againstthe spur G, as at G V, Fig. 2, the round or oval hole G2 through theslide part G G of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, is brought under the hole D2through the bridge D D of the breech-connection, freeing the shouldersof the round or oval part U of the elbow U U2 of the spring U from therestraint caused by the slot G3 through the slide G G, and enabling theelbow-U U2 of the spring U to be forced up through the hole G2 throughthe slide G G of the bolt and hole D2 through the bridge D D of thebreech-connection with sufficient force to throw the gate H upward andover, so as to expose the breech of the chamber C of the barrelA A,Figs. 1, 2, 3, as shown at Fig. 2. While at the gateH is thrown up, theround or oval part U'I of the elbow U U2 of the spring U continuesprojecting into the cavity in the stock A2 A2 left vacant by the gate H.The round or oval part U of the elbow U U2 of the spring U, when thusprojecting through the hole D2 of the bridge D D and hole G2 of theslide G G of the bolt, as shown at Fig. 2, prevents the spring T or jawV2 of the trigger V from pressing forward the bolt, in consequence ofthe diameter of the slot G3 of the slide G Gof the bolt being less tha-nthe diameter of the round or oval part Ul of the spring U, thereby alsopreventing the trigger V at V2, Figs. 1, 2, 3, from raising the sear aoil-the lock, so as to cause the hammer b to The charge or cartridgebeing inserted into the cartridge-chamber C, the gate H is thrown backinto its place, the ring N fitting into the beveled end C of the chamberC. The gate H presses down the elbow4 U U2 of the springU until the toppart, U2, of the spring U is within the hole D2 of the bridge D D', andhole G2 of the slide G G of the bolt. The shoulders of the top U2 of theelbow U of the spring U being then below the bottom of the slide G G ofthe bolt, the spring T presses forward the bolt so that the catch G5 ofthe bolt is pressed into the cavity M of the gate H, as shown at Fig. l.

If the cartridge is charged with detonating matter, no percussion-cap isnecessary to be used upon the cone E; nor is it necessary to raise thehammer b of the lock, as the catch G5 of the bolt G G G2 G2 G'L G5presses forward the needle R through the plunger O, by pressing againstthe spur R of the needle R, when the jaw V2 of the trigger V drivesforward the bolt by pressing against the back of the spur G of the bolt,by the finger partV5 of the trigger V being drawn back toward the buttof the stock A2 A2, as shown at Fig. 3, the point of the shaft R2 of theneedle R being thereby forced through the detonating-wafer into thepowder Z of the cartridgelm, causing it to ex plode. The explosion ofthe cartridge l m forces the plunger O back, so as to cause the ring Nto expand at the breech c', thereby preventing any escape of gaseousmatter at the breech. The spiral spring Q expands again as soon as thepressure is withdrawn from the finger part V5 of the trigger V, Figrl,and causes the needle R It R2 to resume l,itsdoriginal position, asshown at Fig. 1.

If cartridges are used without having detonating matter in the endthereof, then the ordinary percussion-caps are used upon the cone E, thehammer b beingraised, the part V2 of the trigger V, Figs. 1, 2, 3,raises the scar a of the lock, as shown at Fig. 3, causing the hammer bto fall upon and explode the cap upon the cone E, forcing the lire fromthe cap through the vent-hole of the cone E, and through the vent-holethrough the jacket D and barrel A into the cartridge-chamber G atC2,Figs. 1, 2, 3. In this use of the gun it is not necessary to detachthe needle R R R2 from the gate, as the trigger V at V4 raises the seara of the lock, while the needle is pressed forward by the catch G5 ofthe bolt G G G2 G3 G2 G5, as shown at Fig. 3.

By drawing out the hinge-pin I, the gate H, Figs. l, 2, 3, 26, can bewithdrawn from the breech-connection, and any one of the detached gates,I-I, with their parts assembled, as shown at Figs. 4., 8, 13, 18, 22,24, 28, can be substituted.

The advantages which I claim for my improvements are as follows: Thebreech-connection, as shown at D D D D D2 D3 D'1 D5, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 26,may be made either a part of a gun-barrel or attachable thereto byscrewthreads, as shown at A D5, Figs. l, 2, 3, 26, in the latter casemaking the altering of ordinary muzzle-loading fire-arms to my plan asimple and cheap operation, as the only change neces sary is theWithdrawal of the breech-screw from the old barrel and the substitutionofthe screw-thread A on the breech end of the barrel, so as to screw thebarrel into the jacket, as at A D5,and the countersinking of thebreechbore of the barrel, as at C,to correspond to the beveled sides N5N5 of the ring N, Fig. 12.

The breechconnection is then let into the old stock, the lock andmountings ofthe old stock remaining the same, with the exception of thetrigger, which is replaced by that shown at V V V2 V3V2V5, Figs. l, 2,3.

The expanding fing, Fig. 12, and plunger, Fig. 6, and its severalmodifications, as shown and described, operating, as they do, one withinthe other, prevent any escape of gaseous matter, and permit the usel ofdifferent kinds of fixed ammunition or the use of loose powder and ball,either by inserting at the muzzle or breech.

The mode of securing the gate down before the charge can be exploded isquite simple and effectual, the trigger having always to move forwardthe bolt into the gate before the nee dle or the scar of the lock canmove, so as to cause the discharge.

The facility of using the gun as muzzle or breech loader is a greatadvantage, and the simple means by aid of the screw d preventing oradmitting the gate being thrown up at the option of the gunner overcomesan objection heretofore urged against breech-loading guns by militarymen.

Having described the nature, construction, operation, and advantages ofmy improvements, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by LettersPatent ofthe United States, is-

1. The construction of a gun-barrel, or part of a gun-barrel, having ahin ge-j oint, as shown at I, upon the fixed breech-connection D D D DD2 D3 Dl D5, Figs. 1, 26, with the vchannel F F, Figs. 1, 26, andcavities F F', Fig. 1, and the cavities F F F2 F2, Fig. 26, within thefixed breech-connection, substantially as described and set forth.

2. The peculiar construction of the gates H, formed with the cavities JK K L M, Figs. 1,

v 4, 8, 13, 18, 22, 24, and of the gates H, hinged 3. Theadjustableplungers O,whether made solid, as represented in Fig.' 7, or perforated.

longitudinally for the introduction of a needle, as shown in Figs. l, 2,8, and 6, and their equivalents, Figs. 5, 9, 14, 19, 28, 27, and 29,constructed and operating substantially as specified'.

4. The bolts represented in Figs. 15, 16, and 30, constructed andoperating substantially as set forth.

5. The spring U, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and '26, constructed, arranged, andoperating substantially as specied.

6. The peculiar or equivalent form of needie-head R R', as representedin Figs. 10, 17, and 21, constructed and operating as and for thepurpose described.

7. rIhe peculiarly-formed trigger V, Figs. 1,

2, and 3, constructed, arranged, and operating as set forth.

8. The combination of the nut P, or its equivalent screw, L', with theplungers O, for the purpose set forth.

9. In combination with a fixed breech-con- I s. WILMER MARSH'.

Vitnesses: l

Ro. H. GALLAHER, JOHN S. GALLAHER, J r.

